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In the Oven: Butterscotch Pudding Tarts

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Posting date for these possibly boozy tarts is January 14!

Butterscotch Pudding Tarts
Author: Matt Lewis & Renato Poliafito
Serves: 8 (4-inch) tarts
Ingredients
  • For the oat wheat pie crust
  • 1 cup rolled oats
  • 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup firmly packed dark brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • For the butterscotch pudding
  • 6 large egg yolks
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup firmly packed dark brown sugar
  • 1/3 cup cornstarch, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 3 cups whole milk
  • 1 vanilla bean
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons whiskey
  • To assemble the tarts
  • 1 Butterfinger candy bar, broken into small pieces
Instructions
Make the oat wheat pie crust
  1. Put the rolled oats in a food processor and process for about 30 seconds, until ground but not powdered. Add the flours, brown sugar, and salt and pulse until combined.
  2. Add the butter and pulse until the butter pieces are small and the dough looks crumbly, like coarse sand. Add the milk and pulse for a few seconds.
  3. Scoop the dough out of the food processor and form it into a large disk. Wrap tightly in plastic and refrigerate for at least 1 hour and up to 3 hours.
  4. Dust a work surface with a sprinkling of flour. Unwrap the disk of chilled dough and put it directly on the work surface. Cut the dough into eight equal pieces, about 2 ounces each, and gently shape each piece into a smooth disk. The dough will be sticky. Make sure to turn the dough over (use a spatula or a bench knife) as needed and keep the working surface floured. Put the dough disks in the refrigerator for 10 minutes.
  5. Using a rolling pin, roll each dough ball into a 6-inch round just over 1/8 inch thick. Place a round over a 4-inch tart pan and very gently press the dough into the pan. Roll the rolling pin over the pan to trim off excess. Repeat with the remaining dough rounds. Use any excess dough trimmings to make a ninth tart shell or freeze them for another time.
  6. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.
  7. Put the tart pans in the freezer for 30 minutes.
  8. Remove the tarts from the freezer, then arrange on a baking sheet and gently prick the dough with a fork.
  9. Bake on the baking sheet until golden brown, 12 to 15 minutes, rotating the baking sheet halfway through the baking time.
  10. Transfer the tart pans to wire racks and let cool completely.
Make the butterscotch pudding
  1. Put the egg yolks in a large heatproof bowl and set aside.
  2. In a small saucepan, combine the granulated sugar and 1/4 cup water and stir gently with a heatproof spatula; do not splash the sides of the pan. Cook over medium heat until the sugar is dissolved, then increase the heat to medium-high and cook until the mixture begins to turn a dark amber color. Swirl the pan, if necessary, to create an even color, but do not stir. Remove from the heat, let stand for 1 minute, then use the heatproof spatula to stir in the cream. Pour the caramel into a small bowl. Set aside.
  3. In another small saucepan, combine the brown sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Stir in the milk and whisk to combine.
  4. Cut the vanilla bean in half lengthwise, and, using the tip of the knife or a small teaspoon, scrape the seeds into the saucepan with the milk. Add the vanilla bean to the milk as well. Cook over medium-high heat, whisking occasionally, until the mixture comes to a boil. Remove from heat and add the caramel. Whisk together until combined, then pour one third of the mixture over the eggs. Keep whisking the egg mixture and add another third of the hot milk mixture. Transfer the egg mixture back to the saucepan with the milk mixture and, whisking constantly, bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Boil for 2 to 3 minutes, or until very thick.
  5. Remove from the heat and add the butter and whiskey.
  6. Keep whisking vigorously for about 1 minute to cool the pudding slightly. Let the pudding sit for about 15 minutes, then remove the vanilla bean.
Assemble the tarts
  1. Whisk the pudding one more time until smooth. Divide the pudding equally among the tart shells and sprinkle some of the crumbled candy bar over the pudding. Cover the tarts with plastic wrap and put them in the refrigerator for about 2 hours before serving.
Notes
[i]How to store: [/i]The tarts can be stored, tightly covered, in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

 

In the Oven: Sweet Potato Tart with Gingersnap Crust and Heavenly Meringue

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Thanksgiving is almost here… so it’s time for a Sweet Potato Tart with Gingersnap Crust and Heavenly Meringue. Posting date is November 20.

In the Oven: Sweet Potato Tart with Gingersnap Crust and Heavenly Meringue
Author: Matt Lewis & Renato Poliafito
Serves: One 9-inch tart
Ingredients
  • For the Sweet Potato Puree
  • 3 medium to large sweet potatoes
  • For the Gingersnap Crust
  • 8 ounces (225 g) gingersnap cookies (about 30 cookies)
  • 2 tablespoons firmly packed light brown sugar
  • 1⁄8 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 2 ounces (½ stick/55 g) unsalted butter, melted
  • For the Sweet Potato Filling
  • 1⁄3 cup (75 ml) evaporate milk
  • 3 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup
  • 2 cups (480 ml) sweet potato puree (recipe opposite)
  • 1 cup (220 g) firmly packed light brown sugar
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1⁄8 teaspoon ground ginger
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
  • For the Meringue
  • 3 large egg whites, at room temperature
  • ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon cream of tartar
  • ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • For the Assembly
  • Ground cinnamon (optional)
Instructions
Make the Sweet Potato Puree
  1. Position a rack in the middle of the oven. Preheat the oven to 400°F (205°C). Line a sheet tray with foil.
  2. Wash the sweet potatoes vigorously with a scrubber. Pat dry and prick the potatoes multiple times with a fork. Place them on the prepared sheet tray. Roast the potatoes until fork tender, rotating the pan halfway through the baking time, about 1 hour. Remove the sheet tray from the oven, place on a cooling rack, and allow the potatoes to cool. Peel and cut them into 1-inch (2.5-cm) chunks, discarding the peels. Puree the sweet potato chunks in a food processor until completely smooth. Add 1 tablespoon water at a time and pulse to reach a typical pumpkin puree–like consistency (thinner than mashed potatoes); this is usually between 1 and 2 tablespoons water. Measure out 2 cups (480 ml) of the puree for the pie and save the rest for another use. (Sweet potato puree lasts 5 to 7 days in the fridge, and 30 days in a freezer bag in the freezer.)
Make the Gingersnap Crust
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Position a rack in the middle of the oven.
  2. In a food processor, pulse the cookies until pulverized into a very fine crumb. You should have a scant 2 cups (230 g). Add the brown sugar and salt, and pulse until incorporated, about 10 seconds. Pour in the melted butter and pulse until the butter is fully incorporated and the mixture has the consistency of wet sand.
  3. Transfer the mixture to a 9-inch (23-cm) tart pan with removable bottom (or a 9-inch/23-cm springform pan for a smooth-sided finish). Press the crumbs into the bottom and up the sides, using the back of a large spoon or the bottom of a large measuring cup to pack the crumbs into an even layer. Freeze the pan just to set, 8 to 10 minutes. Place the tart pan on a sheet tray and bake until the crust is fragrant and appears set, 6 to 8 minutes. Remove from the oven and cool completely on a wire rack.
Make the Sweet Potato Filling
  1. Turn the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Measure the evaporated milk into a glass measuring cup. Whisk in the eggs and maple syrup.
  3. In the bowl of a standing mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, add the sweet potato puree and mix on the lowest setting to loosen. Add the evaporated milk mixture and beat on medium speed until incorporated, about 1 minute. In a small bowl, stir the brown sugar, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg together until combined, then add to the sweet potato mixture and mix on medium speed until just combined. Add the melted butter and mix again.
  4. Pour the mixture into the cooled tart shell. Place the tart on a sheet pan (for easier cleanup in case of seepage), and bake until a toothpick inserted into the middle of the tart comes out clean, 20 to 25 minutes. Cool completely.
Make the Meringue
  1. In a nonreactive metal bowl (ideally the one from your standing mixer), whisk the egg whites and sugar together until combined.
  2. Set the bowl over a saucepan of simmering water. Cook, whisking constantly, until the sugar is completely dissolved and the mixture registers 140°F (60°C) on an instant-read thermometer, to 8 minutes. Remove the bowl from the pan.
  3. In the bowl of a standing mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, beat the mixture on high speed until stiff peaks form, adding the cream of tartar when the meringue begins to thicken, or after minutes. When the mixture holds stiff peaks, after about 6 minutes, add the vanilla and beat to incorporate.
Assemble the Tart
  1. Scoop out the meringue and generously pile it over the top of the tart, swirling and peaking to create your desired look. (You may have some meringue left over.) Use a kitchen torch to gently brown the meringue. (Do not use a broiler.)
  2. To serve, gently push up on the bottom of the tart pan to release it and transfer it to a plate or stand. Dust with a light coating of cinnamon before slicing, if you like.
Notes
[i]How to store[/i]: The tart tastes best if eaten within 24 hours but can be kept, covered, in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

 

In the Oven: Chocolate Banana Tart

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Posting date is Aug. 24!

Chocolate Banana Tart

For the Classic Sweet Tart Crust
4 ounces (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into 1⁄2-inch cubes
1⁄4 cup granulated sugar
1⁄4 teaspoon salt
1 large egg
1 1⁄2 cups all-purpose flour

For the Chocolate Ganache Filling
6 ounces good-quality dark chocolate (60 to 72%), chopped coarsely
6 ounces good-quality milk chocolate, chopped coarsely
2⁄3 cup plus 1 tablespoon heavy cream
1 tablespoon unsalted butter, at room temperature

For the Bananas and Caramel
2 ripe bananas
2 1⁄2 ounces (5 tablespoons) unsalted butter, at room temperature, cut into 1⁄2-inch cubes
1⁄2 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
2 tablespoons heavy cream

For the Assembly
1 1⁄2 ripe bananas
1 tablespoon orange juice

Make the Classic Sweet Tart Crust
In the bowl of a standing mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter, sugar, and salt until light and fluffy. Add the egg, and beat just until incorporated.
Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl, add the flour all at once, and beat just until the dough comes together in a ball. Do not overbeat or your crust will be tough.
Remove the dough from the bowl, shape it into a disk with your hands, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Dust a work surface with a sprinkling of flour. Use a rolling pin to roll the dough into a 10-inch circle about 1⁄4 inch thick. (Note: the dough will be sticky. Make sure to turn it over with a bench knife or offset spatula as needed and keep the work surface floured.)
Ever so gently guide the dough, without pulling it, into a 9-inch tart pan with removable bottom and lightly press it into place. Roll the rolling pin over the pan to trim off the excess. Place the pan in the freezer for 30 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
Line the tart shell with aluminum foil and fill it three-quarters full with pie weights or dried beans. Bake for 15 minutes, then remove the foil and weights and bake for another 10 minutes, or until lightly browned. Transfer the tart pan to a wire rack to cool.

Make the Chocolate Ganache Filling
Place the chopped chocolates in a small heatproof bowl (or a large pourable glass measuring cup).
In a small saucepan, gently heat the cream just to boiling. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate and wait 30 seconds, then whisk until smooth. Add the butter and stir until it is completely melted and incorporated. Set aside to cool.

Make the Bananas and Caramel
Slice the bananas on the diagonal into just-under-1-inch slices.
In a medium, heavy-bottomed skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the brown sugar and stir (with a rubber spatula) until dissolved. Once the mixture starts to bubble, add the bananas, flat sides down, and cook for about 45 seconds or until browned on the bottom. Then carefully flip the bananas (you might want to use tongs to flip each banana slice individually) and cook on the other side until browned, about 45 seconds. Remove the caramelized banana slices to a plate. Dab the slices with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
Add the cream to the pan and stir to combine. Cook on medium heat until the mixture forms a thick caramel sauce, about 2 minutes, then immediately remove from heat and pour into a small bowl or ramekin to cool. (The caramel will overcook or blacken if you leave it in the skillet, even with the heat turned off.)

Assemble the tart
Pour half of the cooled ganache into the tart shell. Place in the refrigerator for 5 minutes to set.
Thinly slice the raw bananas on a diagonal. In a medium bowl, toss the slices in the orange juice, then transfer them to a paper towel and pat dry. Arrange them in a single layer over the chilled ganache to cover the bottom of the tart completely. Top with the remaining ganache. (If the ganache has already started to set, warm it in short bursts in the microwave.) Return the tart to the refrigerator for 5 more minutes.
Decorate the top of the tart with the caramelized bananas and reserved caramel. Serve immediately.
The tart can be stored in the refrigerator, tightly covered, for up to 24 hours, but it tastes best within a few hours of assembling. That said, a few taste testers have claimed that they like the consistency of the tart once it has been refrigerated overnight.
To each his own!